Robbie Avila wears goggles because he needs them to play, and over time they became part of his identity on the court. Avila said he considered switching to contact lenses in high school, but his brother told him, “You’re not you without your goggles,” and he stuck with them, according to a story by the Associated Press.
That answer – and Robbie Avila’s long list of nicknames – are getting fresh attention now because Avila and Saint Louis are moving deeper into the NCAA Tournament spotlight. The Billikens rolled past Georgia 102-77 in the first round and now face Michigan in Saturday’s Round of 32 matchup at 12:10 p.m. ET on CBS.
Robbie Avila has worn goggles for years
Avila’s goggles are not a one-week March Madness gimmick. The Associated Press reported they have been part of his game since he started playing, and Avila said the look stayed with him after that high school conversation about contact lenses.
That consistency is part of why casual fans recognize him so quickly. Avila is listed at 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds on ESPN, and the thick sports goggles make him one of the most visually distinctive players in this tournament field.
Robbie Avila’s Nicknames Pair With His Goggles
The goggles are also part of why Avila’s nickname traffic keeps popping. Avila has picked up colorful labels during his rise, including “Cream Abdul-Jabbar,” while his goggle-first look has made him instantly recognizable beyond Saint Louis’ usual audience. Other nicknames that standout:
- Milk Chamberlain
- Larry Nerd
- Larry Blurred
- College Jokic
- Rob Wave
The bigger reason the look keeps circulating, though, is that Avila can really play. Saint Louis’ official bio says he averaged 17.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in 2024-25 and led all Division I centers in both 3-pointers made per game and assists per game, a rare combination for a player at his size. This season, ESPN lists him at 12.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, while winning his conference’s player of the year award.
That all-around offensive skill is what makes the goggles more than a visual hook. Avila can score, pass and space the floor, which is a major reason Saint Louis has become such a difficult matchup.
Why the question is trending during March Madness
Saint Louis’ tournament run has pushed Avila in front of a much larger audience. In the first-round win over Georgia, he finished with 12 points while the Billikens piled up 27 assists and overwhelmed the Bulldogs with pace and ball movement.
Now the timing gets even bigger. Michigan is next, and the matchup gives Avila another national stage against a No. 1 seed. Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz said before the game that his team would need to be at its best against Michigan’s talent and depth, while Michigan coach Dusty May specifically pointed to Avila as one of the offensive challenges in the matchup.
What happens next?
Avila’s next search surge will likely come during Saturday’s game against Michigan. If Saint Louis keeps advancing, the goggles will remain the easiest entry point for casual fans, but the bigger story is whether Avila can keep driving the Billikens as one of the tournament’s most unusual and effective big men.
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